A web attack is a way to exploit weaknesses on a website or in parts of it. The attacks can involve the content, web application or server of a website. Websites provide many opportunities for attackers to gain unauthorised access, obtain confidential information, or to what is web attack introduce malicious content.
Attackers typically look for weaknesses in the structure or content of websites to take over data, control the website or cause harm to users. Common attacks include brute force attacks or cross-site scripting (XSS), and attacks against uploads of files. Other attacks can be carried out using social engineering, like malware attacks, or phishing like ransomware trojans, worms, or spyware.
Most website attacks are directed at the web application. This is the hardware and software used by a website to present information to its visitors. Hackers can attack a web application through its weaknesses, such as SQL injection, cross-site request forgery, and reflection-based XSS.
SQL injection attacks target databases that web applications rely on to store and deliver content. These attacks can expose a wealth of sensitive data, including passwords, account logins, and credit card numbers.
Cross-site scripting attacks are based on the flaws of a website’s code to display illegal text or images, steal session information, and redirect visitors to phishing sites. Reflective XSS lets an attacker execute any code.
A man-in-the middle attack occurs when an external party interferes with the communications between you and the web server. The attacker can alter messages, spoof certificate as well as alter DNS responses, and so on. This is a highly effective way to control your online activities.